Delegate Cox receives prestigious conservation award

Delegate Cox receives prestigious conservation award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Matt Moran

October 12, 2017 (804) 698-1601

RICHMOND–Delegate Kirk Cox (R-66) received on Wednesday the 2017 Bridge Builder Award from VIRGINIAforever at their annual Bridge Builder Celebration for his longstanding commitment to improving water quality and protecting Virginia’s cherished natural resources. VIRGINIAforever is a diverse coalition of businesses, environmental organizations, and outdoor enthusiasts that advocates for increased funding for water quality improvements and land conservation across the Commonwealth.

The Bridge Builder Award recognizes the achievements of a Virginian that works to protect and champion the state’s water and land. The award recipient is selected by the VIRGINIAforever Board of Directors, which is comprised of business and conservation leaders. Past recipients include Speaker William J. Howell, Senator Tim Kaine, former Senator John Warner, and President emeritus of Virginia Tech Dr. Charles Steger.

Speaking to the award, Delegate Cox said “I am honored to receive the 2017 Bridge Builder Award from VIRGINIAforever. This diverse organization rallies people from across our community and our Commonwealth to advocate for funding for water quality improvements and land conservation, two important public policy goals. I will continue to support legislation and lead a party that believes in protecting access to clean drinking water and public lands.”

Cox added, “Virginia is blessed with tremendous natural resources and environmental beauty, and we have an obligation to protect it for future generations. The best way to do that is through strong organizations like VIRGINIAforever, as well as strong partnerships between the public and private sector.”

Delegate Cox is a proven leader when it comes to protecting Virginia’s waterways and public lands. Cox offered a budget amendment to raise the Lake Chesdin dam to increase its capacity by 1.9 million gallons and supported legislation requiring additional studies prior to capping coal ash ponds on the James River. Cox is a strong supporter of Virginia State Parks and introduced a budget amendment to expand bike trails at Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield so that more Virginians can enjoy the Commonwealth’s natural beauties.

“Delegate Cox understands that appropriating state funds to programs that will conserve land and enhance water quality is necessary for Virginia’s economy and for everyone who calls this Commonwealth home,” said Dennis Treacy, chair of VIRGINIAforever and president of the Smithfield Foundation. “VIRGINIAforever is thrilled to honor Delegate Cox with the 2017 Bridge Builder Award, recognizing his many years of service and leadership in protecting the Commonwealth’s natural resources. He joins an esteemed group of past Bridge Builder Award recipients who focus on natural resource protection. Thank you, Delegate Cox, for your service and commitment to enhance and protect Virginia’s precious assets. We all appreciate it!”

Cox, who is in line to become the 55th Speaker of the House of Delegate in January 2018, is running for reelection from the 66th district. The 66th district includes the City of Colonial Heights and the southern/western portions of Chesterfield County.